By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss — Ghana
Damak Sanitation Health Watch-Ghana has called on the government, through the Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders, to urgently review the introduction and continued use of rubber and plastic chop boxes in Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country.
In a press release dated September 15, 2026, the Kumasi-based organisation said while it recognised the need to provide students with durable and convenient storage items, the widespread use of rubber and plastic chop boxes could contribute to Ghana’s environmental and waste-management challenges, particularly when the materials are improperly disposed of at the end of their useful life.
Mr Daniel Mbatagung Akugri, Executive Director of Damak Sanitation Health Watch-Ghana, is therefore urging the Ministry of Education to assess the environmental impact of the rubber chop boxes currently supplied to students and consider alternatives it describes as more environmentally sustainable.
He said properly treated and responsibly sourced wooden chop boxes could provide a more sustainable alternative because they are biodegradable, reusable and durable.
He also argued that the use of wooden chop boxes could reduce plastic waste and discourage illegal logging or deforestation if the materials were sourced and managed responsibly.
The organisation has consequently called for an environmental assessment of the current chop-box system before any final decision is made.
They want the assessment to involve environmental health professionals, forestry experts, academic institutions, students and other relevant stakeholders.
Five-Point Call
The organisation therefore wants the Ministry of Education to review the environmental implications of the rubber chop boxes being supplied to senior high school students, conduct an independent environmental study to assess their long-term waste-management implications, educate schools and students on the proper disposal, reuse and responsible management of chop boxes, support the adoption of environmentally sustainable materials in public-school procurement and ensure that any alternative material adopted does not create another environmental problem, such as deforestation.
The organisation said its position is guided by the principle that efforts to solve one environmental problem should not create another.
It stressed that initiatives to improve education infrastructure and student welfare should be pursued alongside measures to protect the environment for present and future generations.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com